Aston Martin DB4

Aston Martin DB4
1960 Aston Martin DB4 (Series 2)
Overview
Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	1958–1963 1,204 produced 1,185 DB4 19 DB4GT/Zagato
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2+2 coupé 2-seat coupé 2+2 drophead
Layout	FR layout
Related	DB4 GT Zagato Lagonda Rapide
Powertrain
Engine	DOHC Straight six, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5000 rpm 240 lbs-ft @ 4200 rpm
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98 in (2,489 mm)
Length	177 in (4,496 mm)
Width	66 in (1,676 mm)
Height	52.5 in (1,334 mm)
Curb weight	1240 kg (2734 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Aston Martin DB Mark III
Successor	Aston Martin DB5

DOHC Straight six, 3670 cc, 240 bhp @ 5000 rpm

The DB4 is a sports car sold by Aston Martin from 1958 until 1963. Technically it was a development of the DB Mark III it replaced but with a completely new body. The DB4's design formed the basis for later Aston Martin classics, such as the DB4 GT Zagato, the Lagonda Rapide 4-door saloon, it was eventually replaced by the Aston Martin DB5.

The lightweight superleggera (tube-frame) body was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, and its Continental looks caused a sensation on its unveiling at the 1958 London Motor Show. Although the design and construction techniques were Italian, the DB4 was the first Aston to be built at the company's Newport Pagnell works in Buckinghamshire, England.

The 3.7 L (3670 cc/223 in³) engine, designed by Tadek Marek, was a double overhead cam straight-6, with cylinder head and block of cast R.R.50 aluminium alloy, a further development of the earlier engine. The engine was prone to overheating initially, but the 240 hp (179 kW) produced by the twin-SU carburettor version made buyers forgive this unfortunate trait. Servo-assisted disc brakes were fitted all round: early 11.5 in (292 mm) Dunlops were replaced by Girlings. The independent front suspension used ball-jointed wishbones, coil springs and rack-and-pinion steering. The live rear axle also used coil springs and was located by a Watt's linkage. The normal final-drive ratio for British and European use was 3.54:1: in the United States the ratio was usually 3.77. Customers wanting a car with an especially high top speed could choose a 3.31:1 ratio.